A serious allegation has emerged from the Ministry of Education’s work-study program involving a 16-year-old student from Den Amstel. The student reportedly faced a frightening incident while placed at the Meten-Meer-Zorg Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) on June 18, when she was called into a room to taste a substance that was later identified as poison.
According to her father, Kwame Underwood, his daughter narrowly avoided ingesting the toxic substance after another staff member warned her not to drink it. The incident has left the young girl shaken and traumatized.
On June 19, Mr. Underwood returned to the NDC with his daughter, where they confronted staff about the incident. An employee corroborated the girl’s account, confirming that he had warned her against drinking anything offered to her. The individual who summoned her was reportedly taken into a closed-door meeting, leaving the student and her father outside without further explanation.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the NDC has not issued a public statement. The official response to Mr. Underwood has been a poorly received confession that suggested the incident was merely a joke, despite its serious implications.
Adding to the family’s concerns, Officer Leroy Smith has been assigned to take statements from the student. Given his controversial past connected to the case of Adriana Younge, family members have expressed anxiety over this choice.
Mr. Underwood also revealed that his daughter, one of the few Afro-Guyanese individuals in the department, had previously overheard disparaging comments about Afro-Guyanese people during her placement. This environment has left her feeling isolated and unsafe, raising serious concerns about her wellbeing.
The incident highlights potential racial hostility within a government institution, which could constitute workplace racial harassment and violate Guyana’s constitutional protections against discrimination. It may also fall under the Ethnic Relations Commission’s purview, which investigates acts of racial intolerance.
Legal Implications
Legal experts point out that the reported incident may breach multiple laws, including:
The Childcare and Protection Act (2009): Prohibits exposing minors to physical or emotional harm.
The Criminal Law (Offenses) Act: Criminalizes attempts to administer harmful substances and defines child endangerment as a punishable offense.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act: Sets strict protocols for workplace safety, particularly for minors.
The incident raises questions about the protocols governing the work-study program and the vetting conducted before placing students in government offices.
Recommended Actions for the Family
Mr. Underwood has been advised to take the following steps:
File a formal police report at the Leonora Police Station.
Seek medical evaluation for his daughter, including toxicological screening and psychological assessment.
Report the matter to the Childcare and Protection Agency.
Notify the Ministry of Education in writing, demanding a review of the placement process.
File a complaint with the Ethnic Relations Commission regarding the racial harassment.
As this matter escalates, the public awaits statements from the Ministry of Education, the NDC, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ethnic Relations Commission, and the Guyana Police Force.
Call for Action
This incident underscores the urgent need for reforms to protect children in state-run institutions, especially those from marginalized communities. It reflects deeper issues within the involved institutions that must be addressed.
VPAC and The People’s Movement are demanding an immediate investigation, urging that the ranks at Leonora Police Station act decisively to protect children and serve without prejudice. The institutions involved owe the public transparency and accountability, as well as justice and protection for the affected student.
Other News
Political Landscape Shifts as Members Switch Allegiances
